From Wikipedia:
In the late spring (of 23 BC) Augustus suffered a severe illness, and on his supposed deathbed made arrangements that would ensure the continuation of the Principate in some form,[123] while at the same time put into doubt the senators' suspicions of his anti-republicanism.[124][125] Augustus prepared to hand down his signet ring to his favored general Agrippa.[124][125] However, Augustus handed over to his co-consul Piso all of his official documents, an account of public finances, and authority over listed troops in the provinces while Augustus' supposedly favored nephew Marcellus came away empty-handed.[124][125] This was a surprise to many who believed Augustus would have named an heir to his position as an unofficial emperor.[126]
Would the Principate have survived after him had he only been ruler for a short period of time? Would his death be seen as the gods disapproving of his reforms and centralized power? Who would come after him?
In the late spring (of 23 BC) Augustus suffered a severe illness, and on his supposed deathbed made arrangements that would ensure the continuation of the Principate in some form,[123] while at the same time put into doubt the senators' suspicions of his anti-republicanism.[124][125] Augustus prepared to hand down his signet ring to his favored general Agrippa.[124][125] However, Augustus handed over to his co-consul Piso all of his official documents, an account of public finances, and authority over listed troops in the provinces while Augustus' supposedly favored nephew Marcellus came away empty-handed.[124][125] This was a surprise to many who believed Augustus would have named an heir to his position as an unofficial emperor.[126]
Would the Principate have survived after him had he only been ruler for a short period of time? Would his death be seen as the gods disapproving of his reforms and centralized power? Who would come after him?